I would point out that if you think things are bad with respect to engineering standards now they are set to get much worse if EASA has it's way. EASA wants to remove the licencing system and replace it with company run 'in house' schemes to train and authorise 'suitable persons'.
Of course you all know your company will select people of intelligence and integrity, will train them rigorously and only authorise them when suitably experienced and can pass properly moderated examinations. No cognisance will be taken of any shortage of qualfied staff by the company. Also the individuals will feel in no way influenced by being beholden to the company for their qualifications.
apologies for thread drift but I needed to get it off my chest.